A hands-on in-person lab completing a full disassembly of a Dell desktop computer. Every component was identified, safely removed, photographed, and documented — from opening the case to removing the CPU — following CompTIA A+ objectives and proper ESD safety procedures throughout.
Before beginning any disassembly, I set up the work environment with adequate lighting and antistatic protection. The desktop computer was placed on the workbench and labeled with my name. I connected the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, then powered the system on to confirm it was functional.
The computer successfully displayed the BIOS splash screen with the following access keys:
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F2 | Enter Setup |
| DEL | Enter BIOS |
| F12 | Boot Menu |
The computer fully loaded the operating system, confirming the machine was in working condition before disassembly began.
I put on the anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to components. I identified the screws securing the side panels to the case frame, then used a screwdriver to release them. All screws were placed in a marked container.
With the side panels removed, the internal components were fully visible — including the KingFast SSD in its blue drive tray, the AVC CPU cooler and fan, the Dell power supply unit, and the green Dell motherboard.
Before disconnecting anything, I photographed the front panel cables connecting to the motherboard so I could reference them during reassembly. I then disconnected internal cables in the following order:
After all cables were removed, I photographed the open case to document the clean state before component removal.
I identified and released the screws securing the power supply unit and removed it from the case. The PSU was placed in the work area for documentation.
When checking for a network adapter card in the expansion slots, I confirmed that this computer did not have a NIC installed in an expansion slot. Similarly, no additional expansion cards were present beyond what was already identified. Both steps were noted and documented accordingly.
After exploring the system, I identified one storage device — a KingFast SSD mounted in a blue drive tray. I released the screws securing it to the bay, removed the drive from the case, and placed it in an anti-static bag labeled as belonging to my computer.
With cables disconnected and the PSU removed, I had clear access to the motherboard screws. I identified all mounting screws, released them carefully, and gently lifted the Dell motherboard out of the case — taking care not to damage the I/O plate or touch the conductive areas. The motherboard was placed on a non-conductive surface in the work area.
With the motherboard on the workbench, I identified two RAM modules installed on the board. I released the retention clips and carefully removed both sticks, placing them on a non-conductive surface and photographing them for documentation.
For CPU cooling, the system used an AVC brand cooler with a blower-style fan. I disconnected the CPU cooler power cable, released the mounting mechanism, and carefully lifted the cooler away from the CPU — taking care not to yank the CPU from its socket.
After the cooler was removed, I identified the lever securing the CPU to the LGA socket, released it, and gently lifted the CPU straight up without applying force. The CPU was placed pins-facing-up on a non-conductive surface and photographed.
After exploring the full case, I confirmed that the only fan present was the CPU cooler fan — there were no additional case fans mounted to the chassis. The fan was documented, placed in a labeled container, and all screws were collected in a marked container.
| Component | Details Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Dell Desktop Small Form Factor | Fully functional before disassembly |
| Motherboard | Dell OEM — Intel chipset | Removed and placed on non-conductive surface |
| CPU | Intel processor — LGA socket | Removed using lever mechanism, no force required |
| RAM | 2 modules installed | Released using retention clips, placed in anti-static bag |
| CPU Cooler | AVC blower-style fan/heatsink | Only cooling in the system — no additional case fans |
| Power Supply | Dell OEM PSU — 80 Plus rated | Screws released and removed from rear of case |
| Storage Device | KingFast SSD (2.5" SATA) | Mounted in blue drive tray — only one storage device present |
| NIC / Network Card | None in expansion slot | No dedicated NIC card found — likely integrated on motherboard |
| Expansion Cards | None present | No additional expansion cards beyond integrated components |
| Internal Cables | Main power, SATA, front panel, fan cables | All disconnected in order and placed in labeled container |
Six videos recorded using Meta glasses during the live break and fix lab — first-person POV.